It goes without saying the stigma around mental health issues is still a strong one.

According to a poll released this week, two thirds of people feel as though they have no one to talk to about their personal problems, despite the work of celebrities and health professionals alike to raise awareness of mental health.

In recent years, a number of celebrities like JK Rowling and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, have spoken out about their own experiences, but a clinical psychologist who works in Hull and East Yorkshire believes the public still “aren’t so good at keeping themselves mentally well”.

Two thirds of people feel as though they have no one to talk to about their personal problems

Dr Nicola Green says the winter months can be particularly difficult for people suffering with mental health issues, which is why she has offered these tips to help you keep mentally well as part of the Stay Well This Winter campaign.

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Run in partnership with Hull CCG, East Riding of Yorkshire CCG, City Health Care Partnership, Humber NHS Foundation Trust and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the campaign aims to help you stay well during one of the toughest times of the year.

Five ways to improve your mental health

Dr Nicola Green says the winter months can be particularly difficult for people suffering with mental health issues

Connect

Link up with the people around you like your family, friends or colleagues. Taking the time to develop these relationships can give a boost to your mental health.

Be active

It does not need to be a marathon but a little bit of exercise can go a long way. Having a short walk or a bike ride can help you to blow the cobwebs away.

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Keep learning

Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and renewed confidence. Think about trying something you have always wanted to do like learning a musical instrument or finding out how to fix your bike.

Give to others

You do not have to give the world but a small act of kindness can make you feel better. It could be a smile or even just a thank you, but bigger acts like volunteering could also give you a big boost.

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Sue Baker, director of Time to Change, an organisation that try to tackle the stigma around mental health, said: "People still think there is no right time or place to talk about mental health, that it's something that should be whispered about in quiet corners.

"We all need to work hard to change and remove the barriers to talking.”

Getting fit

Physical exercise is one of the best ways to give your mental health a boost

Physical exercise is one of the best ways to give your mental health a much needed boost, as well as ensuring your body remains physically fit.

But you might surprised to hear January is not the most popular month to seek help with your fitness.